About theAuthor since 2005. work in the Taita Hills researchconducting Hehasbeen work. of biodiversity research been involved in variety Kenya where hehas National of Museums Naturalist basedat the Lawrence Wagura isa
A Guide to TAITA HILLS Unique Natural History Lawrence Wagura By Lawrence Wagura
A Guide To TAITA HILLS Unique Natural History
By Lawrence Wagura
NATIONAL MUSEUMS OF KENYA
where heritage lives on
A Guide To Taita Hills 3 Unique Natural History Front cover: • View of the Taita Hills
Back cover: • Male Cymothoe teita by L. Borghesio • Dorstenia christenhunszii by K. Thijs • Taita Apalis, Apalis fuscigularis by P.R. Steward • Taita Warty frog, Callulina dawida by P. Malonza • Termitomycete clypeatus, by L. Wagura
All photos were taken by the Author apart from where indicated otherwise.
Copyright © Lawrence Wagura 2014 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owners and publishers.
Printing of initial copies of this book was supported by BirdLife International as part of a project funded by the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF) a joint programme of l’AgenceFrançaise de Dévelopement, Conservation International, the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Japan, the MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank.
ISBN 978-9966-074-61-4
4 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Any work of this nature requires much consultation, references and collaboration of many people and institutions that without their assistance would not have been possible. I therefore take this opportunity to acknowledge them with pleasure.
I deeply Thank African Bird Club For their financial support during book preparation, Idea Wild for providing the equipment, National Museums of Kenya for its support, Luca Borghesio and Mwangi Githiru who have assisted me in many ways during field data collection.
I appreciate all research scientists who have tirelessly conducted research work in Taita Hills and published their invaluable findings. It is from their work that we are able to understand the area’s biological composition and status.
I am grateful to the review team; Valerie Lehouck, Dr. P.K Malonza, Fleur Ngw’eno, Dr. Kariuki Ndang’ang’a, Edward Omito, Rupi Mangat, Bernard Agwanda, Beryl Akoth and Laban Njoroge. Their review highly improved this book. I am equally grateful to James Mwangombe who kindly did the final screening of the entire manuscript.
My sincere thanks goes again to Valerie Lehouck for her contribution on a very informative section on ‘Ecosystem Services’, Fleur Ngw’eno for her contribution on astronomy section, Edward Omito for generously providing me with a lot of useful information on Taita Hills geology and kindly allowing me to take photographs from his collection, Peter Stewards and Daniella Rabaiotti for sharing useful information on Bats of Taita Hills.
I recognize and appreciate everyone who generously allowed me to use their photos, and all who shared useful information featured in this book as well as everybody else that made this work success in one way or the other.
Finally, my special thanks go to my family for being there for me throughout the duration of preparation and production of this book.
A Guide To Taita Hills 5 Unique Natural History FOREWORD
Taita Hills and Taita Taveta County as a whole is an area that has a rich natural history. The County’s rich natural history and natural resource base has a huge potential to propel local economic development if well tapped and utilized.
A guide to Taita Hills Unique Natural History provides a visual and compelling evidence of some of the resources available in Taita Hills and the need for the sensitization on their availability, potential value and more so their conservation.
We live in a rich and beautiful place that must have been even richer and more beautiful before our activities started destroying it. It behooves us to ensure that we leave a better place for the generation to come through appropriate and sustainable use.
The value of the information in this publication is priceless and can only be demonstrated through the action we will take to restore the integrity of this area of endemism. It is my sincere hope that the information will inspire action among the readers.
James Mwang’ombe Mwamodenyi Senior Assistant Director Head of Biodiversity Conservation and Management Kenya Forest Service
6 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgement...... 3 Foreword...... 4 Preface...... 6 Introduction to Taita hills...... 7 Location of Taita Hills...... 7 Visitor Guidelines...... 8 Background History...... 9 Forest Fragment Overview...... 11 Climate, Soils and Drainage...... 15 Ecosystem Services : The Value of Nature...... 17 Community and Culture...... 19 Forest Flora...... 22 Birds of Taita Hills Forests...... 27 Mammals...... 30 Invertebrates...... 31 Reptiles and Amphibians...... 33 Natural Stones and Minerals...... 37 Camping...... 42 Recreational Sports...... 44 Taita Skies...... 46 Taita Common Butterflies...... 48 Where to Stay...... 51 Checklists...... 52 Endemic Plants...... 52 Taita Hills Forest Plants...... 53 Birds of Taita Hills ...... 60 Mammals of Taita Hills...... 66 Butterflies of Taita Hills...... 68 Reptiles of Taita Hills...... 71 Amphibians of Taita Hills...... 72 Further Reading...... 73
A Guide To Taita Hills 7 Unique Natural History PREFACE
The Taita Hills’ uniqueness and beauty is unmatched. Cool hills tipped with huge rock outcrops that are surrounded by evergreen forests and settlement of the Taita people, offers the best landscape you can imagine. The forests are characterized by a variety of tall trees with clinging vines, strange spots of lichens, hanging mosses and a variety of orchids that are true beauty to behold. The frequent encounter with many species of all sorts found nowhere else in the entire planet is astounding. I must admit that this is one of my favorite places in the world.
Welcome to the Taita Hills. This book will give you an idea of hot spots to visit and help you identify most of the unique biodiversity that you will come across supplemented with their ecology. As you enjoy watching these beautiful creatures, always keep in mind that most of them are now listed as endangered, meaning that they are threatened with extinction. I strongly hope that as much interesting your visit to these forest can be, you will always keep the welfare of this delicate biodiversity in the first place. Please be respectful and leave it intact to guarantee its future! Thank you………..L. Wagura
8 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Introduction Location of Taita Hills The Taita Hills are located in south-east Kenya about 50km from Voi, a town along the Nairobi –Mombasa highway. The area forms part of the former Coast Province and is one of the three districts of Taita-Taveta County with Wundanyi as the major town.
A map of KenyaA map showing of Kenya the location showing of the theTaita location Hills of the Taita Hills
A Guide To Taita Hills 9 Unique Natural History Visitor Guidelines Logistics: almost all roads here are rough and during rainy seasons there could be huge potholes filled with seepage. It can get slippery on steep areas, so it is advisable to have a well raised 4WD vehicle to be able to maneuver around. Sometimes weather is unpredictable and it can rain anytime. Temperatures can also go low especially in the month of July and August. Warm and rainproof clothes are therefore necessary.
Security: The Taita people are very friendly and reserved. It is therefore safe to drive and walk around but always remember to lock your vehicle when not around and always carry your valuables with you. There are no dangerous animals inside the forest and one can walk around without fear of any attack.
Fire: there is a risk of fire inside the forest and especially during dry seasons. Always take great care not to start fire as it can cause very serious damages.
Noise: Loud and unnecessary noise stresses and affects wildlife a lot in their natural habitat. It is advisable to minimize noise as much as possible. This will enable you to watch even the very shy animal at close range.
Litter: Take anything you bring with you in the forest back home. Some litter takes very long to decompose while others may never decompose at all, polluting water and soil, and harming wildlife.
10 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Background History The Taita Hills are very old mountains that geologically form the northern most part of a series of isolated ancient mountains that extend from Eastern Tanzania to south-east Kenya. These mountains were formed by a process of repeated uplifts and faults millions of years ago, causing the rising of central plateau, also known as Kenya/Tanzania highlands. The forests in these mountains have existed continuously for over 20 million years that is since Africa was part of Gondwanaland. The long life of the hills is attributed to the hard rock forming the earth surface that prevents much weathering. The forests on these mountains are isolated from other montane forests by vast semi-arid lowland plains. All this time, the forest remained intact as one entire forest until about 200 years when human encroachment began. Having been in isolation for millions of years, the plants and animals in these mountains have gradually evolved and produced a very unique and complex biodiversity. A lot of research work have been conducted revealing just how rich and unique the area is in terms of biodiversity. This chain of crystalline mountain blocks are now famously known as the ‘Eastern Arc Mountains’, a term that was introduced in 1985 to describe this area of extraordinary rich biodiversity that has a restricted range since about a third of its flora is composed of restricted-range species. Also a good percentage of vertebrates and invertebrates are endemic to these mountains. Eastern Arc Mountains harbor the greatest number of biological taxa and the highest degree of endemism in mainland Africa. It forms a portion of the afromontane biodiversity hotspots.
Map of the Eastern Arc mountains of Kenya and Tanzania (in green)
A Guide To Taita Hills 11 Unique Natural History This entire area has been famous and concurrently forest fragmentation. for its unique biodiversity richness In Taita Hills today, only a few forest since colonial times. The Germans fragments remain on the hilltops and first established a biological research steep valleys but remarkably continue station in Usambara, Tanzania with to support its rich biodiversity. In fact, some agricultural and silvicultural despite having the smallest amount of activities and later giving way to the closed canopy natural forest among the British regime. When Kenya and Eastern Arc mountains, Taita Hills have Tanzania gained independence, there the highest number of endemics per was uncontrolled land use due to lack unit area. It is surprising that in some of skills and money leading to mass areas of these forest fragments you forest destruction. The favorable can find about ten endemic species just climatic conditions led to an increase within ten meters radius. in population and human settlement
Portion of closed canopy of a Taita Hills forest fragment and other hills at the rear
12 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Digital satelliteDigital image satellite of the Taita image Hills showing of the Taitathe location Hills ofshowing three different the location blocks and of thethree largest different forest fragments.blocks and the largest forest fragments.
Forest Fragments Overview The Taita Hills comprise three main (KFS). massifs: Sagalla, Mbololo and Dawida The most common indigenous trees with the latter two only separated by species in all the fragments are Phoenix a steep valley at 900m. Sagalla is reclinata, Tabernaemontana stapfiana, quite far from the rest, separated by Albizia gummifera and Xymalos a long stretch of lowland plains and monospora. There are also plantations of the Voi River. Dawida is composed of exotic trees species such as Pinus patula, several forest fragments with only two Cupressus lusitanica, Acacia mearnsii and large fragments larger than 50 ha and Eucalyptus saligna that were planted to about seven other small patches that cover the severely degraded areas during are barely more than 10ha including colonial times. Fururu, Mwachora, Macha, Ndiwenyi, Mbololo fragment is the largest of all Kichuchenyi, Yale and Vuria. All the covering an area of 220ha, forming a forest fragments are now limited to the narrow and long stretch on the hillcrest at steep hillcrests and are surrounded by 1,779m. It is clearly visible from Mombasa human settlement mosaics. road around Voi town and also easily Surprisingly, these fragments accessible but the last stretch near the continue to support incredibly rich forest is steep and would require a 4WD biodiversity. The larger fragments are vehicle. gazetted under Kenya Forest Service
A Guide To Taita Hills 13 Unique Natural History Portion of forest showing typical plants ©Wagura.L
Mbololo fragment has the best preserved and richest flora and is the most important stronghold of the endemic Taita thrush. It is also famed for three plant species and a snake species endemic to this forest. Ngangao forest fragment is the second largest. It covers an area of 147ha at an altitude of 1,952m at the highest point. The forest is located an easy 20 minute drive north of Wundanyi town. About 120ha is covered with indigenous forest on the steep eastern side while A local high school taking a guided nature the rest is plantation and rock walk at Chawia forest. outcrop on the western side. This forest is particularly special in that it hosts good populations of
14 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History all the Taita endemic birds as well as rapidly closing. All the endemic species many other endemics of other taxa. of birds are present but in extremely Facing west from the Ngangao rock small numbers and therefore hard to outcrops is Iyale patch at about spot. The beautiful trails are tranquil 4km. The protruding long and and have a lot to offer including pointed bare rock is unmistakable. hundreds of butterflies some of them It is the second highest (2104m) endemic to Taita spread out from forest after Vuria. Iyale peak offers the most floor to the high canopy. Chawia is spectacular 360˚ viewpoint and great easily accessible from Dembwa (along sites for hiking and rock climbing. Mwatate-Wundanyi road) and also from Chawia is a medium size fragment Wundanyi town. (50ha) at an altitude of 1600m. It is From Chawia, you may have a positioned on top of a steep cliff as is spectacular view of Kilimanjaro clearly seen from the nearby Mwatate mountain on clear days. Vuria fragment lowlands. Although the forest suffered is situated on a steep ridge. It is the from recent massive deforestation, highest of all peaks at 2,208m. Due the local community groups have tried to extreme deforestation, only 1ha of to restore it by planting native tree closed canopy natural forest remain, species and the canopy gaps are the rest of about 51ha now consist of
A Guide To Taita Hills 15 Unique Natural History The Eastern side of Ngangao forest montane scrubland with scattered indigenous and exotic trees. However, this type of habitat has proven to be more favorable for the endemic Taita Apalis, a bird species that is now found here in considerable numbesr. Due to the sharp ascent only a 4WD vehicle will make it to the top but the trip is worth it.
16 A Guide To Taita Hills IyaleUnique as Natural viewed History from Ngangao forest Low clouds cover over the Taita Hills
Climate, Soil and Drainage
The Taita Hills proximity to the However, due to perhaps global Indian Ocean largely influence the warming, these weather patterns are weather. The hills form the first changing and weather is becoming barrier to moisture-laden wind from unpredictable.The immediate vast the Indian Ocean forming heavy surrounding lowlands are very dry with cloud overhead thus providing a minimum yearly rainfall as low as stable climate. This aspect and 250mm thus contrasting sharply with the hills’ high altitude ensures the cloudy forests up the hills. The soils frequent mist and clouds precipitation can be termed as excessively to well that keep the forest wet all year round. drained dusky-red to dark brown sandy The amount of rainfall average to clay loam and in some areas rocky and 1,332–1,910mm per year with the stony. They are acidic hence very low long rainy season occurring from pH of 3-4. March-May and the shorter rainy The soil fertility status is very low due to season from November-December.
A Guide To Taita Hills 17 Unique Natural History excessive leaching and low pH. These soils have high aluminum level, low calcium and with no potassium. However, with the boost of fertilizer and natural manure, the soil does yield. The soil is also used in bricks making by the locals for construction and about 98% of all buildings walls are made of bricks.
Very Inclined cultivated land
A section in the Taita Hills Sprawling Taita Planes ©Mwangi Githiru
18 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Honey harvested and processed in Taita Hills Baskets made from phoenix reclinata leaves in Taita© A.Mwameso Ecosystem Services: The Value of Nature Nature has a lot to offer to people. The the place with local guides, looking for delicate balance between the water endemic species. As such, the forests cycle, soil and vegetation (forests act and surroundings provide local people as water catchment area and prevent with many uses as a source of livelihood, soil erosion) makes the hills have and are therefore very valuable. These a high agricultural potential. Small forests are resilient but also -scale crop agriculture flourishes and delicate. They merit respect and the quality and flavor of the Taita cow only sustainable use will enable milk is known up to Mombasa. Bees people and wildlife to live together as feeding on nectar and pollen of the they do now. Agroforestry could diverse flowers provide locals with honey be an important way to provide for own use and for sale. At the same corridors for plants and animals time, those bees are indispensable in crop pollination (many crops worldwide depend on bees for their seed set!). Not less than 80% of the trees are used by local people. Palm leaves (Phoenix reclinata) for instance, are used to make shopping baskets, and many species have medicinal value. The cool forests uphill are important for carbon sequestration and help in mitigating climate change effects. They provide fresh air and provide numerous possibilities for educational and A Taita lady weaving using phoenix reclinata. recreational purposes, and tourists visit ©A.Mwameso
A Guide To Taita Hills 19 Unique Natural History on their way from one forest fragment to the other, and at the same time fulfill the local growing demands for fuelwood. Further encroachment should be avoided at all times.
The ‘tree of life’ representing some examples of ecosystem services provided by forests. (source: http://www.fao.org/docrep/w8827e/w8827e03.htm)
20 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Kinyatta sculls cave
Community and Culture The Taita community also known as Wadawida who inhabit the Taita Hills have settled here for several centuries. Their origin is little known for certain but being Bantus, they probably migrated with other Bantus from West Africa. This group of western Bantus first settled in the now Taita-Taveta County entering through Tanzania. The Mijikenda tribes believed to be among the group moved further down to the Kenyan coast while the Taita people settled in the hills. Traditionally, the Taita tribe consisted of clans known as Vichuku and each lineage occupied its own territorial area of the hills. There are three sub-tribes of the Taita, the Wadawida who traditionally live in Dawida around Wundanyi, the Wasaghala who speak Kisaghala that A Taita young lady and a girl coming is much closer to Mijikenda and from the market then Wakasighau.
A Guide To Taita Hills 21 Unique Natural History Although many of Taita traditions isolation wards for people infected have now faded away, they were with dreaded diseases. Selected part of their life all along. They had forest patches (Fighi) were used very strong religious beliefs and as sacred sites for sacrifices to believed that their God lived in their God. These forest patches these spectacular hills. The huge are feared to date which contributed rocks (Maghamba) and caves much in conservation as some still (Mbanga) were considered very survive intact. There were also sacred places for worship and selected areas on the very steep for the dead. When an important rock outcrop (e.g Wesu, kwa Kinuku community member died, the body and Mwachora) which were used was exhumed and six months later as punishing ground. Witchcraft the head was separated from the practitioners and other dangerous body and then skulls arranged people were thrown from the top to according to lineages inside the meet their death on the cliff floor. caves. This practice stopped not Incredible traditional dance long ago and can still be witnessed performances like the famous in several caves like in Kenyatta, Mwazindika,demonstration Iyale and Mwanda Caves. Kenyatta of various ceremonies and Caves also have a history as fascinating, detailed cultural one of the hiding places of narratives can be enjoyed in Taita Kenya’s first president, Jomo cultural centers, an active one being Kenyatta during colonial times Njama Mzango cultural center at hence the name for the caves. Kitukunyi. Some caves were also used as
A guide at Kenyatta Caves
22 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Sacred caves in Vuria
A Guide To Taita Hills 23 Unique Natural History Saintpaulia teitensis
The Forest Flora The Taita Hills harbor the montane in the world, and 22 species are cloud forest whose vegetation is endemic to the Eastern Arc. The much influenced by both Eastern uniqueness of the area can be Arc and Kenyan highlands. Despite seen and admired in all the forest losing about 98% of its forest cover fragments. During flowering periods in the last 200 years, the remaining (Nov-Mar) forests’ tree canopies are Taita Hills forest fragments continue awesomely painted in all sorts to extraordinarily support high of flower colors. Many attractive number of endemics and unique species, medicinal species, flora. The vegetation structure edible and high protein fungi like and composition is more or less mushrooms, edible herbaceous similar in all the fragments apart plants, sweet wild berries and fruits from Mbololo tree community that are what composes the forests. differ significantly in composition. Looking upon big tree trunks and the Vuria fragment has also largely high canopy of these forests you will transformed to almost bush-land notice the common occurrence of type of habitat due to earlier massive tree species like Tabernaemontana deforestation. stapfiana, Strombosia scheffleri, Taita Hills flora is probably the most Phoenix reclinata, Newtonia fascinating in Kenya. The flora is very buchananii, Chrysophyllum rich and full of endemism.In these gorungosanum, Albizia gummifera small and extremely fragmented and Syzygium sclerophylum. Ocotea forests, more than 13 plants species usambarensis and Podocarpus are endemic to the Taita Hills, which were once common but were heavily means they occur nowhere else logged due to their valuable timber.
24 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Today they have become rare . The tree canopy here can grow really tall and have a wide diameter. Examples are Aningeria adolfi- friederici and particularly Newtonia buchananii tree in Ngangao forest that is believed to be the hugest tree in the entire Taita Hills. It is said to be several hundreds of years old and has acquired the title of of ‘Mother- of-all-trees’. Many visitors to this forest visit the site to witness this ImpatiensImpatiens teitensis ©Wagura.Lteitensis splendid tree. In the understory of these fragments some of the common low canopy trees and shrubs are Pauridianthus paucinervis, various species of Psychotria, Dracaena steudneri and Dichapetalum eickii. Common herbs include Piper capense, Culcasia falcifolia, Asplenium holstii and Blotiella stipitata. Epiphytes, literally plants growing on other plants, like Lycopodium holstii and Streptocarpus montanus are also common in almost all forests fragments. There are many fungi Psychotria petitii and other species belonging to lower plants like moss, lichens, liverworts and thornworts. Walking along the Mbololo forest trail that run all along the hillcrest you get to discover how intact the forest is. Both sides of the path are covered by thick vegetations that may at first appear to you like a single species but are in a fact variety of hundreds of species. Among the plants deeper in the forest, you may be lucky to find Dorstenia christenhunszii ©K. Thijs
A Guide To Taita Hills 25 Unique Natural History three species that are only found in forests in Tanzania. Rare and this forest and nowhere else in the endemic species to Eastern Arc entire world. These are: African rock include species like: Acridocarpus violet Saintpaulia teitensis (also schefleri, Carex castanostachius, known as Streptocarpas teitensis) Clematis dolichopoda, Coccinia a very rare plant species restricted gandiflora, Cola greenwayi, to only 3ha range on wet rocks, Crotalaria lukwangulensis, Ypsilopus an archid also restricted Dasylepis integra, Cyphostemma to the wetter side of the forest and braunii, Dicranolepis usambarica Dorstenia christenhunszii that was and Euphorbia usambarica only identified in the year 2012 on among others. A complete list the eastern slope of Mbololo along of Taita endemics and species water streams. Ngangao fragment endemic to Eastern Arc Mountains also boast three endemic plant together with many other Taita species; Zimmermania ovata, Hills species is provided in the Meineckia ovata and a Psychotria checklist at the back pages. species which are restricted to the relatively dry northern part of Ngangao only. Impatiens ingleri ssp pupescens, Diphasiopsis fadenii, and Memecylon teitense as well as the native coffee, Coffea fadenii are endemic to only Mbololo and Ngangao fragments (the latter also occurs in Pare Mountains of Tanzania). The rest of the endemic plant species occur in most of Taita hills fragments and they include; Impatiens teitensis, Millettia oblata, Psychotria crassipetala, Psychotria petitii, and Chassalia discolor. More endemic plant species continue to be identified by research scientists. Hopefully they will be identified before they disappear. As earlier mentioned in this book, Taita Hills have a lot of floral similarity with the rest of the Eastern Arc, especially with Usambara Meineckia ovata
26 A Guide To Taita Hills 23 Unique Natural History Memecylon teitensis ©Wagura.L
Young Coffea fadenii
Milletia oblata
Chassalia discolor ssp teitesis
A Guide To Taita Hills 27 Unique Natural History Photos of some plants endemic to the Eastern Arc
Dicranolepis usambarica ©Wagura.L Euphorbia usambarica ©Wagura.L
Cola greenwayi Dasylepis integra
Syzygium sclerophyllum Polyscias stuhlmannii © K. Thijs
28 A Guide To Taita Hills 25 Unique Natural History Taita White-eye Taita apalis ©Peter R.Steward
Birds of Taita Hills Forests Taita Hills is one of the most exciting endangered according to BirdLife bird-watching sites in Kenya for International and the IUCN Red List its unique, endemic, rare and very of threatened species. In fact, the beautiful bird species. The Taita Hills Taita Apalis can now be considered forests are classified as an Important as one of the rarest bird species in Bird Area (IBA) due to the presence the world with its current population of bird species with restricted ranges now estimated at only about 300 and globally endangered species. individuals. Three species being The Hills are ranked among global endemic and two out of them with conservation priority sites for birds only a few individuals existing are and other animals and plants. Taita species you wouldn’t like to miss! Apalis Apalis fuscigularis and Taita Getting to the forest early in the Thrush Turdus helleri are endemic morning you are likely to spot all the to Taita Hills – found nowhere else three. on Earth. The Taita Apalis is shy but active, There is also an endemic race of and is mostly heard making the Montane White-eye, Zosterops intermittent calls most of the day. In poliogaster silvanus, which was Ngangao and Vuria it is frequently until recently considered a full seen in pairs, foraging in the dense species (Taita White-eye Zosterops understory of forest gaps. It also silvanus). The Taita Apalis too is occurs at forest edges and close to sometimes considered a race of water sources, especially in places Bar-throated Apalis, Apalis thoracica with dense climbers. You can still fuscigularis.) Both Taita Thrush and make a rare encounter in Yale, Taita Apalis are considered critically Chawia and Fururu forest fragments.
A Guide To Taita Hills 29 Unique Natural History Taita Thrush is also shy but is occurs in abandoned farms near the often heard singing its morning forest and in plantations of exotic and evening mellow chorus. This trees. The white-eyes are usually forest specialist hops on the ground, seen in pairs or small flocks foraging frequently turning leaf litter on the on insects and small fruits. forest floor, using its bill to forage In the Taita Hills forests, you will be for small invertebrates. It also pleased to see the Stripe-cheeked occasionally flies up to the mid- and Greenbul that in Kenya has its range upper-canopy to feed on fruit. When only in the Taita and Chyulu Hills and not feeding, the thrushes are usually very few records in Mt. Monduli and found perched on tree branches in Namanga hills. This species is here the middle canopy, silent or singing. in plenty and is ever noisy inside There are higher chances of spotting the forest, making it easier to find. the Taita Thrush in Mbololo and The very rare Taita Falcon has been Ngangao forests, which are its spotted here a few times. For the strongholds. migratory birds, be on the lookout for Taita White-eye is unmistakable Grasshopper Buzzard (Nov-Mar), with its large white eye-ring. It is Tree Pipit (Oct-April), Madagascar found in all forest fragments in quite Bee-eater (May-Sep) and Eurasian good populations. This species also Bee-eater (around Aug-April).
Taita thrush in its natural habitat ©Mwangi Githiru
30 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Taita apalis nest and eggs Taita white-eye nest and eggs
Other interesting forest bird species encounter are: Yellowbill, Golden- include; Lemon Dove, Hartlaub’s tailed Woodpecker, Brown-breasted Turaco, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Barbet, Scaly Chatterer, Grey- Orange Ground Thrush, White- headed Bush-shrike, Golden Pipit, starred Robin, Blue-mantled Bearded Scrub Robin and Black- Crested Flycatcher, Evergreen cheeked Waxbill, among others. Forest Warbler and Yellow-throated A complete list of all bird species Woodland Warbler. On the drier recorded inside and outside forests side, towards the lower parts of from the altitude of 1200m is the hills outside forests, some provided. of the interesting species you
Stripe-Stripe-cheeckedcheecked Greenbul Greenbul ©Peter.R. ©Peter.R. Steward Steward
A Guide To Taita Hills 31 Unique Natural History Praomys taitae © Ch Boudet - Mammals' Planet Mammals Perhaps due to the small area of forest that inhabits natural, deep forest and cover, not many mammals are found, has been observed in larger Mbololo especially the big mammals which and Ngangao forests.The Praomys are poorly represented. It is said that taitae (Taita Forest Rat) is a medium there were Leopards in 1950’s but size rodent endemic to the Taita they are no more. Surprisingly, there Hills. It is a forest dependant that is is a primate and a rodent species that widespread in all forest fragments are endemic to the Taita Hills. with the largest forest fragment A species of Dwarf Galago (Bush- supporting the highest numbers. baby) is a recent discovery in year The shy Common Bush Pig can be 2002 for now only referred to as seen in Mbololo. The equally shy Galagoides species as its proper Common Duiker is uncommonly name has not been assigned yet. It encountered within Mbololo, Ngangao has a distinctive call and morphology; and Vuria forest fragments and features enough to prove that it’s a rarely in few other small fragments. full species. Primates like Sykes Monkey and It is closely related to Galagoides Greater Galago are common in orinus of the Tanzanian Eastern Arc several fragments. Other small Mountains. This ‘Taita Mountains mammals include: Sengis (Elephant Dwarf Galago’ has a cinnamon – Shrews), Rodent species, Red- brown color on its back and flanks, legged Sun Squirrel, Honey Badger, orange–brown tinge on the thighs and African Porcupine, Tree and Rock the shoulders and with grayish -brown Hyraxes, Large Spotted Genets and to cinnamon–brown tail that is dark bats specie. More are listed on the tipped. This is a nocturnal insectivore mammals checklist.
32 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Invertebrates year, there are many gorgeous butterflies that will catch your eyes with their remarkable display. The two butterfly species; Papilio desmondi teita (Desmond’s Green- banded Swallow-tail) and Cymothoe teita (Taita Glider) are endemic to Taita Hills while neptis aurivillii (Aurivillius’ Sailer) is limited to Eastern Arc Mountains. The endemic Papilio desmondi teita appears very similar to another species called Praomys taitae © Ch Boudet - Mammals' Planet Papilio bromius. They however do not share habitats. Like other Swallowtails, the Desmond’s Green- Lack of a backbone is what unites banded Swallowtail is an attractive Invertebrates more rather than big butterfly with blue bands on the Papilio desmondi teita their other shared characteristics. wings and is commonly seen inside Invertebrates include animal groups forest, forest fringes and outside such as spiders, flatworms, molluscs, forest visiting flowers. Its larvae arthropods, insects, segmented feeds on plants belonging to a family worms, scopions, millipedes as well called Rutaceae (Clausena, Teclea, as many other lesser-known groups Fagara, Calodendron, citrus). of animals. Of all species alive Cymothoe teita is the darkest of all today, invertebrates are the most Cymothoe in Kenya. The male is diverse comprising of an estimated little smaller than female and has 97 percent of all world’s species. the typical greenish-yellow tinge The Taita Hills are very rich in terms on forewings or Black with reddish- of invertebrates and they are home brown lunules (Crescent shaped to many species that are found markings). nowhere else in the world. The The female has a conspicuous most conspicuous and common narrow white band. This is a forest invertebrates include Diptera flies, species and the male is fond of flying Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), up high on the canopy. The primary Diplopoda (millipedes), Mollusca larval food source has been observed (snails and slugs) and Araneae to be the Eastern Arc endemic (spiders). These amazing creatures Dasylepsis integra. There are many are found almost everywhere; inside other beautiful butterflies in the Taita forests, on wetlands, on farmlands hills and the list and photos of some and along roads. All through the of the common ones is provided in
A Guide To Taita Hills 33 Unique Natural History is the small sized Gullela spinosa. It is usually found on forest floor in leaf-litter. With many other species of invertebrates, the forests are never silent. The Cicadas are very vocal and the loud calls of males attracting females for mating are heard in every forest corner. The male Crickets that surprisingly use their legs to produce the sound are equally vocal. Cicadas are said to Male Cymothoe teita be among insects that can survive ©Lucas Borghisio for unbelievably many years. this book. The other close relatives If you visit the water pools inside and of butterflies; the moths are also well outside forest during rainy seasons, represented here. There is huge you will find an interesting insect selection of day and nocturnal moths known as Nepa (commonly known like the Luna moth, emperor moth, as water scorpion) for it superficially Tiger moth among others. resembles the scorpions although Most of the Diplopoda (millipede) it doesn’t sting. This insect is a are found in the soil and leaf litter good swimmer and will comfortably while some live on trees. In Taita swim under water using its tail for Hills, there is an endemic millipede, breathing. Whirligig beetles will also Taitastreptus flavipes that belong catch your eye with their incredible to its own genus (Taitastreptus). speed on water. If you keenly watch This species is arboreal (tree among tree trunks, branches and dwelling) and is unmistakable with the forest undergrowth, you will its many pairs of yellow legs.For the be amazed at the high diversity of Araneae, two endemic species of many other invertebrates that are spiders belonging to a new genus well camouflaged. in Gallienillidae family have been recorded. The record here in Taita Hills was interesting as the family was only known from Madagascar and Cape area in South Africa. Several species of Molluscs are found in these forests and few endemic have been recorded. Taitastreptus flavipes ©Didier Vandenspiegel Among the endemic snail species Taitastreptus flavipes ©Didier Vandenspiegel
34 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Taita Two-horned Chameleon, Kinyongia boehmei, male
Taita Two-horned Chameleon, Kinyongia boehmei, male ©Wagura.L Reptiles and Amphibians Reptiles are cold-blooded many people and Taita Hills herpeto- vertebrates that include Chelonian fauna knowledge is not exceptional. (tortoises, terrapins and turtles), However, with interest and some squamates (snakes and lizards), caution, you can enjoy these beautiful crocodiles and tuataras. There are creatures that are indeed some of the about 8,000 species of reptiles most intriguing in the world. alive today on the planet. Of the The reptiles of Taita Hills are four reptile groups, the squamates represented by tortoises, snakes and (amphisbaenians, lizards and lizards (including chameleons) while snakes) are the most diverse. its amphibians are comprised of frogs, Amphibians include newts, toads and the little known Caecilians. salamanders, frogs, toads, and There are endemics that are restricted caecilians. There are between to these montane cloud forests. 5,000 and 6,000 species of known Two endemic reptiles are found amphibians on earth. Sadly, here. A species of snake, Taita Hills Amphibian species are in huge Purple-Glossed snake (Ambylodipsas decline around the world due taitana) is endemic to Mbololo forest. It to a variety of threats including is a small (43cm long), smooth scaled, that of, habitat destruction, dark snake with a blunt tail. Its head is diseases, invasive species, climate short and with a quite pointed snout. change and toxins. Reptiles and The scale at the front of the lower jaw amphibians are shy, secretive and is white. This snake is so rare that very well camouflaged creatures that little is known on its ecology and the may be hard to spot. They are also only female specimen was collected feared by many due to some myths more than 60 years ago. Few other and few being venomous. They are species of snake can be found in therefore much less understood by these forest fragments and they
A Guide To Taita Hills 35 Unique Natural History include Battersby’s Green snake, confuse with reptiles for their snake- African Python, White-lipped Snake, like appearance and their slithery House Snake and the Eastern Vine movement and they have suffered Snake that in Kenya is only found in many deaths for that reason. Others the Taita Hills. The Taita Two-horned tend to think they are worms because Chameleon (Kinyongia boehmei) of their soft skin and their fondness is another reptile endemic to Taita to live underneath the ground. hills. This species is easy to identify However, although they are nothing as the male has a pair of ridged like frogs and toads in appearance, horns that protrude from the nose. they show similarity with their The female lacks the horns and is amphibian relatives (e.g. moist skin blunt snouted instead. This species and moisture dependency). They is found inside forest, in bushes even have a back-bone and therefore and in cultivated areas where it is cannot be classified as worms which seen basking on the sun or feeding are invertebrates! They lack limbs on insects and other invertebrates. and are actually said to be a good Other lizards like Skinks can be seen example of evolving amphibians. on the forest floor in the leaf-litter. The Sagalla Caecelian Boulengerula Yellow-throated Plated Lizard is also niedeni is only found in Sagalla Hill common in the understory especially highland area and only between on forest fringes. With little bit of altitudes of 1,000-1,500m. It is luck, you may see Jackson Forest brownish in appearance and Lizard, a very attractive lizard that is is normally seen in patches of not so common here. On the many indigenous forest and in farmland splendid Taita Hills rocks, the Red- where they are fond of soil rich in headed Agama Lizards are seen organic manure and under organic resting quietly, enjoying the sun and debris. During dry season, they seek other times busy hunting arthropods. refuge at the edge of water streams In the dry sides of the hills you may and pools. They are listed as critically encounter the Leopard tortoise endangered due to their tiny range outside the forest. and they are drastically losing their There are 26 species of amphibians habitat due to soil erosion as well recorded in Taita Hills from which as increasing exotic plantations like two species of Caecilian Sagalla Eucalyptus trees. Caecilian (Boulengerula niedeni) and The other Taita endemic, Taita Hills Taita Hills Caecilian (Boulengerula Caecilian Boulengerula taitana has taitana) and a species of frog, Taita a bluish appearance and is locally Warty frog (Callulina dawida) are abundant in natural forests, in endemic. Caecilians are cryptic plantations and farmlands. It also amphibians that people tend to prefers areas of moist soil rich in
36 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History organic manure as well as under observed inside forest between decomposed leaf litter and debris. 1,400-2,200 in Mbololo and Dawida During dry season, it penetrates deep forests blocks. It is most active at night inside the soft ground or move near and live in burrow in decomposed water streams. Both species feed logs. It can also be seen walking on variety of invertebrates including on leaf-litter or perched on plants. earthworms and ants. The females It inflates itself when disturbed and lay their eggs in underground the skin produce sticky substance burrows where they warm them by when rubbed. Other montane forest coiling around them until they hatch amphibians species found in Taita into young ones. The young feed on Hills include; Xenopus borealis, the highly nutritious mothers’ outer Arthroleptis xenodactyloides and skin until they are able to move out Amietia angolensis, . Full list of and feed on their own. reptiles and amphibians recorded in The endemic frog, Taita Warty Frog Taita Hills is given in appendix 3. Callulina dawida has only been
Female Taita Warty frog © P. Malonza
Callulina dawida walking from egg Callulina dawida walking from egg clutch clutch in a ground nest © O.Mwakio in a ground nest ©O.Mwakio
A Guide To Taita Hills 37 Unique Natural History Sagala Caecilian, Caecilian, Boulengerula Boulengerula niedeni © P.Malonza niedeni © P.Malonza TaitaTaita caecilian, Boulengerula Boulengerula taitanus taitanus coiling coil - arounding itsaround eggs.©John its eggs.©John Measey Measey
38 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Natural Stones and Minerals
Natural stones that host gemstones and other minerals
Underneath the big rock outcrop Gneisses, Marble, Calc-silicate and evergreen land that Taita area rocks, Amphibolites, UltraMafic landscape, lie precious stones and rocks, Migmatites and Pegmatites. natural minerals. Throughout history There are also superficial deposits of civilization, precious stones like that are revealed by three types. gemstones have been admired for Alluvium whose traces are found in their attractive natural appearance gravels silts and sands mainly along and people have always connected rivers. strong cultural attachments. In the Colluvium frequently seen in heavily ancient times natural stone could gullied areas and slopes of the only be identified by colors and it surrounding pediplain. was only from the mid 18th century Soils which include Kaolinitic or that archaeologists have began light coloured sandy soils, Residual to identify them according to their ferralitic reddish sandy soils. mineral composition. Thanks to The widespread small and large this technology now we know the scale mining in the entire Taita Taveta formation process and mineral County is evidence that the area is content. packed with a variety of gemstones The three districts of Taita Taveta and industrial minerals. Gemstones County: Taita Hills, Mwatate and Voi mined in the area include Garnets all geologically lie partly or entirely (Tsavorite, Rhodolite, green garnets, within Mozambique belt. red garnet, yellow garnet, Change In Taita Hills, the rocks along the colour among others.), Corundum Mozambique belt include Quartz (Ruby and Sapphire), Amethyst, Feldspar gneiss, Quartzites, Graphite Tourmaline (yellow, green, black Gneiss, Banded Biotite Gneiss, etc.), Peridot, Iolite and Spinel. The Kyanite Sillimanite (-Garnet-Biotite) area also boast of industrial minerals
A Guide To Taita Hills 39 Unique Natural History Amethyst like Iron ore, Limestone, Copper, Green Garnet Manganese, Marble, Magnetite, Asbestos, Graphite, Kaolin Clay, Mica and building stones.
Garnets Garnets are formed through metamorphic process, that is, when metamorphic rocks such as Schist and Gneisses are heated under very Two forms of Chawia garnet cut high temperatures and pressure. An association of graphite gneisses and Corundum (Ruby and marble is a must for the formation Sapphire) of green garnets. For the local miners, stretching lineation appears Ruby and Sapphire are found in as good guide to pockets. Garnets aluminous gneisses and granulites occurs in variety of colors that and are often associated with include red, orange, yellow, green, silimanite, kyanite and almandine purple, brown, blue, black, pink and garnets. Rubies normally occur even colorless. They are therefore in prismatic or tabular form while much preferred by jewelers for their sapphire occurs as truncated variation and they have been in use dipyramidal crystals of blue or purple since Bronze Age as gemstone. In color. Corundum has been in use the Taita hills, varieties of garnets since 300BC traditionally in many are found in many areas such as countries of the world, Blue sapphire Chawia, Sagala and Mbololo. has been used as a gift for the 65th wedding anniversaries while other ruby and sapphire varieties for 45th wedding anniversaries. In Taita Taveta County they are found in Mwatate and Sagala areas.
40 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Amethyst Tourmaline Ameythyst is a type of quarts (SiO2) Tourmaline is formed through a that naturally forms when quartz process known as hypothermal is subjected to high temperatures process which involves cooling of underneath the ground. The most magma and has a complex and common color of amethyst is purple varied chemical formula that is that is believed to be as a result of characterized by the presence of effects of ferric iron and aluminum boron element. Tourmaline can also that form its impurities. The use of be formed through metamorphic amethyst dates very many years back process. In this scenario, the key and was often used as jewel and as geological force emanate from the charm. The name Amethyst actually folding of large rock formations within comes from the ancient Greek a (not) the earth’s crust rather that from the and methustos (“intoxicated”) from hot magma. Tourmaline is one of their belief that the stone protected the most complex gemstones in the its owner from drunkenness. The world being popular for many hues it Greeks and Romans therefore wore naturally displays. Its name actually Amethyst and used beer drinking originates from the Singhalese pair vessels made of amethyst in belief of words that translate to ‘stone that it would protect them from with mixed colors.’ amazingly, some intoxication. Amethyst was also of these stones can display more largely used as jewels by the ancient than one color at the same time and Egyptians while medieval European the color of the crystal displayed soldiers wore amethyst charms as in natural daylight can change if protection in battle in the belief that displayed on artificial light. amethysts heal people.
Amethyst cut Yellow Tourmaline
A Guide To Taita Hills 41 Unique Natural History Iron ore mining at Kishushe. ©Edward
Industrial Minerals Magnesite (MgCO3) occurs in Magnesium oxide content, it is only numerous sites and is associated suitable for burning to make lime and with dunites-serpentinite complexes. as dimension stone or aggregate. It is generally highly siliceous and Magnetite (Iron ore) occurs in most not suited for high quality extraction parts of the County but the major therefore is only suitable for ongoing mining is at Kishushe area. agriculturalapplication. Anthophylite asbestos occur in a serpentine complex at Mwakinyambu area, associated with some talc and vermiculite. However the fibres are short and therefore not suitable for industrial application. Numerous graphite gneisses occur in the area, for example in Chawia and Mwatate areas. Kaolin is entirely of supergene origin and is therefore restricted to the Taita hills like in Mghambonyi area. Muscovite books occur frequently Iron Ore ©Wagura.L in zoned tourmaline pegmatites like Iron Ore in Mgange area. Marble is quarried locally at small scale. Due to high
42 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History
Lolite Pink Tourmaline Lolite ©Wagura.L
Pyrite Green Tourmaline
Ruby Rhodolite
Kyanite
A Guide To Taita Hills 43 Unique Natural History CAMPING Nothing beats the feeling of view of Mount Kilimanjaro which camping in these ancient Hills is the highest mountain in Africa. of Taita that date back to many Viewing the bright yellow sun disc millions of years. The view of the sinking behind this mountain at vast sceneries right from your sunset is undoubtedly memorable. campsite is awesome. If you wish An early morning nature walk will to camp in any of the Taita Hills provide you with peace of mind forests, prior arrangement with and offer you an opportunity to Kenya Forest Service is required. watch variety of bird species Some forests have camping some of them unique to the area. facilities and the local tour guides Vuria peak is the highest point in are very helpful. It would be even the entire coastal area and has more convenient if you choose a wide flat area at the summit to come with your camping where you can camp. The wide equipment. Other than forest view of the night skies is stunning campsites, there are community and watching the constellations campsites that allow you to interact from here is absolutely wonderful. with the local people. Camping Vuria peak can get really chilly in any of the campsites gives a sometimes especially at night totally fulfilling experience. The and it is advisable to carry warm Ngangao forest campsite situated clothes. Other forest fragments not far from Wundanyi town is well like Mbololo, Chawia, Fururu, Yale equipped. The adjacent bare rock and Wesu also offer great sites for will offer a spectacular morning camping.
Vuria Campsite Nice view of lowlands from Vuria campsite
44 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History
MorningMorning and evening and evening view of Mt view Kilimanjaro of Mt Kilimanjaro-the-the highest mountain highest in Africa mountain ©Wagura.L in Africa
A Guide To Taita Hills 45 Unique Natural History Yale bare peakIyale ©Wagura bare peak L
Recreational Sports
Taita Hills is the place to be for the with a high reward of enjoying the lovers of trekking, hiking, cycling and magnificent view of the other Taita rock climbing. Walking in pleasant hills and the surroundings lowlands. weather surrounded by spectacular The enormous rock outcrops are sceneries is breath taking. The roads indeed an invaluable nature gift to have testing ascent and gentle slopes the rock climbers. Some of these that are also perfect for the bikers. rock outcrops like the Wesu and Yale Almost all the forest fragments are rock outcrops are extremely inclined located on the hilltops and some of and huge (more than 100m high) them like Iyale and Vuria have bare and are ideal for the experienced o summits that provide a 360 viewing rock climbers. Both armatures point of the area. Hiking under the and professionals athlete will find forest shade through the natural the Taita Hills cool weather and gaps though testing, is so fulfilling. topography perfect for exercising. Having made it to the summit comes
46 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History
Yale bare peak ©Wagura L
Wesu rock outcrop more than 100m high; Suitable for experience Climbers
Wesu rock outcrop more than 100m high; Suitable for experience Climbers ©Wagura.L
A Guide To Taita Hills 47 Unique Natural History Taita Skies
Taita Hills is an amazing place to while the sun sets. Then the moon watch the night sky and heavenly rises later each night until it looks bodies. Being far from big cities that like a half moon overhead at dawn. flood the skies with artificial lights, the Finally it becomes a crescent in the Taita Hills night skies are naturally east, passes between the sun and lit. And high on the hills there is a the earth, and reappears in the west. wide view of the skies. Best viewing Planets are fun to watch and can be is during the dry season, usually recognized among the stars because January to March and September to they are much closer to the earth October. In any season there may be than stars are. Planets reflect the some nights with clear skies. sun’s light and so glow with a steady The moon is the brightest light in the light. Stars are seen as twinkling night skies reflecting light from the dots of light even when observed in sun. Our Moon is indeed interesting powerful telescopes. and special because it is the closest Five planets are visible from planet celestial object to earth. In just earth and from the Taita Hills you are under one month, we see the moon able to see all the five. Mercury is a go through its different phases. The tiny bright light low on the horizon. new moon appears as a crescent in Sometimes it is seen just after sunset the west. It grows wider each night and other times slightly before until it is like a half moon overhead sunrise. Venus is the brightest. at sunset. This is called the first Some months bright Venus is seen quarter. The moon continues to grow in the west after sunset referred to as until it rises as a full moon in the east “evening star”. Other months it may
48 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History be in the east before sunrise when smaller stars with binoculars, you it is called the “morning star.” The will see the Great Orion Nebula same planet can be seen during where millions of stars are born daytime if you know where to look. throughout time. Mars, often called ‘the Red On May, June and July evenings, Planet’, shines with a reddish light. the Southern Cross is prominent, Both Jupiter and Saturn are bright low in the south. You may also yellow but Saturn is further from see it in December and January Earth and looks like a star, while before dawn. At the same time, Jupiter is very bright. the constellation called the Plough Ancient people, especially those (also called the Big Dipper and the who travelled by sea, gave names Great Bear) can be seen towards to the stars. They thought that the north. some of the stars formed patterns In July, August and September, that we call constellations. the constellation of Scorpius, the Kenya’s position at the equator Scorpion, stretches across the allows excellent view of a large southern sky in the evening. High number of constellations. If you in the north, the star Arcturus are really eager to stay outside shines orange in colour. all night long, or at least in the On clear dark nights you will see late evening and before dawn, the Milky Way, our galaxy, like a you will be able to observe most pale ribbon across the sky. of the constellations! As the earth And on November and December turns towards the east, different evenings, look low in the south. You constellations seem to emerge may see what looks like two small from the east and travel across the pale clouds. These are the Large sky towards the west. and Small Magellanic Clouds. From December to April, look They are faraway galaxies, made for Sirius, the brightest star, in up of millions and millions of stars. the evening. Below Sirius in the It does not require any special south is the second brightest star, machine to enjoy the heavenly Canopus. Canopus cannot be objects and just with your bare eyes seen from northern countries. you can enjoy a lot. However with a Near Sirius is the constellation pair of binoculars – and if possible that the ancient Greeks called a stabilized pair of binoculars – you Orion, the Hunter or Warrior. It will be able to have a better view of rises due east and sets due west. these objects. Look for three bright stars in a row, and three fainter stars at an angle to it. If you look at the three
A Guide To Taita Hills 49 Unique Natural History Taita Common Butterflies
Citrus Butterfly, Papilio demodocus Emperor Swallowtail, Papilio ophidicephalus
Black Swordtail, Graphium colonna
White-banded Swallowtail, Papilio echerioedes Narrow Green-banded Swallowtail, Papilio nireus
African Clouded Yellow, Colias electo
Eronia leda,
African emigrant, Catopsilia florella
Round Winged Orange, Colotis euippe
Black Heart, Uranothauma nubifer Brown Play Boy, Deudorix antalus
50 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Friar, Amauris niavius Neocoenyra gregorii
African Queen, Danaus chrysippus
Mother of Pearl, Salamis parhassus Diadem, Hypolimnas misippus-male
Pearl Charaxes, Charaxes veranes
Dark Blue Pansy, Junonia oenone
Yellow Pansy, Junonia hierta Small Spotted Sailer, Neptis saclava
Little Commodore, Junonia sophia Natal pansy, Junonia natalica Soldier Commodore, Junonia terea
A Guide To Taita Hills 51 Unique Natural History Garden Inspector, Precis archesia Dimorphic Admiral, Antanartia dimorphica Eared Commodore, Precis tugela
Common Leopard Fritillary, Phalanta phalantha Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui
Acraea lycoa Spio Grizzled Skipper, Spialia spio Metisella orientalis
Gegenes niso Kedestes rogersi
52 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Where to stay
If you are not camping, Wundanyi town is an ideal place to stay. The town is at a central location with respect to the forest fragments. This town is endowed with pleasant weather and breathtaking scenery. Here you will find hotels which serve variety of dishes including delicious traditional meals and also provide comfy accommodation at reasonable rates.
Some useful hotels contacts are:
Taita Rocks Hotel, Taita Research Station Guest P.O. Box 1086-80304 Wundanyi House, Tel: +254 (0)720 436 944 P.O. Box 1156-80304 Wundanyi Tel: +254 (0)722 287 486 Lavender Garden Hotel, Email: mwadimemjomba@yahoo. P.O. Box 1295-80304 Wundanyi com Tel +254 (0)722 955 253 County Council Guest House, Irido Springs Hotel, P.O. Box 1066-80304 Wundanyi P.O. Box 1104-80304 Wundanyi Tel: +254 (0)723 341 146 Tel: +254 (0)729 677 532 Email: [email protected] Mbololo Guest House, P.O. Box 395-80300 Voi. Tel: +254 722 958 019 Email: [email protected]
A Guide To Taita Hills 53 Unique Natural History Plants endemic to Taita Hills Plants endemic to Eastern Arc Forests Mountain Forests Chassalia discolor ssp. Teitensis Acridocarpus scheffleri Coffea fadenii Aningeria adolfi-friederici ssp. Dorstenia christenhuszii usambarensis Impatiens engleri ssp.teitensis Carex castanostachyus Impatiens teitensis Clematis dolichopoda Memecylon teitense Coccinia grandiflora Milletia oblata ssp. Teitensis Cola greenwayi Psychotria crassipetala Crotolaria lukwangulensis Psychotria petitti Cynometra sp. A Psychotria sp.B Cyphostemma braunii Saintpaulia teitensis Dasylepis integra Ypsilopus sp. Dichapetalum eickii Zimmermannia ovata Dicranolepis usambarica Euphorbia usambarica Galium brenanii Gymnosiphon usambaricus Leptonychia usambarensis Lycopocium holstii Lycopodium ophioglossoides Macaranga conglomerata Ouratea schusteri Pentas hindsioides Podocarpus usambarensis Polyscias stuhlmannii Polystachya albescens Psychotria alsophila Psychotria pseudoplatyphylla Senecio mirabilis Streptocarpus kirkii Syzygium sclerophyllum Tridactyle cruciformis
54 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History TAITA HILLS FOREST PLANT SPECIES PTERIDOPHYTA ADIANTACEAE LYCOPODIACEAE Cheilanthes bergiana Lycopodium cernuum Cheilanthes farinosa Lycopodium clavatum Cheilanthes multifida Lycopodium dacrydioides Doryopteris concolor Lycopodium.sp.aff.dacrydioides Pellaea quadripinnata Lycopoduim holstii Pteris catoptera Lycopodium ophioglossoides Pteris dentata Lycopodium verticillatum Pteris pteroides SELAGINELLACEAE Pteris usambarensis Selaginella kraussiana DAVALLIACEAE OPHIOGLOSSACEAE Arthropteris orientalis Ophioglossum vulgatum CYATHEACEAE MARATTIACEAE Cyathea dregei Marattia fraxinea Cyathea humilis OSMUNDACEAE Cyathea manniana Osmunda regalis ASPIDIACEAE SCHIZAEACEAE Arachnioides foliosa Mohria caffrorum Ctenitis cirrhosa GLEICHENIACEAE Ctenitis lanuginosa Dicranopteris linearis Didymochlaena truncatula HYMENOPHYLLACEAE Dryopteris pentheri Hymenophyllum capillare Dryopteris kilimensis H.kuhnii Dryopteris manniana H.sibthorpioides Polystichum fuscapaleaceum Trichomanes borbonicum Tectaria gemmifera T.chevalieri LOMARIOPSIDACEAE T.erosum Elaphoglossum acrostichoides T.melanotrichum Lomariopsis warneckei T.ramitrichum THELYPTERIDACEAE T.rigidum Amauropelta bergiana T.sp Amauropelta opposiliformis DENNSTAEDTIACEAE Christella chaseana Blotiella hironymii Christella dentata B.stipitata Christella gueinziana Hypolepis sparsisora Christella hilsenbergii H.sp.aff.rugulosa Christella sp Pteridium aquilinum Cyclosorus interruptus Pneumatopteris unita Pseudophegopteris cruciata Pseudocyclosorus pulcher Stegnogramma pozoi
A Guide To Taita Hills 55 Unique Natural History ATHYRIACEAE GYMNOSPERMAE Diplazium hylophilum PODOCARPACEAE Diplazium zanzibaricum Podocarpus larifolius Dryoathyrium boryanum Podocarpus usambarensis BLECHNACEAE Podocarpus sp Blechnum attenuatum ANGIOSPERMAE:DICOTYLEDONES Blechnum ivohibense ANNONACEAE ASPLENIACEAE Uvaria lucida Asplenium adiantum-nigrum MONIMIACEAE Asplenium aethiopicum Xymalos manospora Asplenium albersii LAURACEAE Asplenium sp.aff.albersii Cryptocarya liebertiana Asplenium sp.aff.barteri Ocotea kenyensis Asplenium boltanii Ocotea usambarensis Asplenium sp.aff.boltanii RANUNCULACEAE Asplenium buettneri Clematis brachiata Asplenium christii Clematis dolichopoda Asplenium elliottii Thalictrum rhynchocarpum Asplenium erectum MENISPERMACEAE Asplenium Sp Cissampelos pareirera Asplenium friesiorum Tiliacora funifera Asplenium holstii PIPERACEAE Asplenium hypomelas Peperomia abyssinica Asplenium inaequilaterale Peperomia retusa Asplenium linekii Peperomia tetraphylla Asplenium macrophlebium Piper capense Asplenium manii CAPPARACEAE Asplenium megalura Ritchiea albersii Asplenium normale CRUCIFERAE Asplenium paucijugum Cardamine africana Asplenium sandersonii VIOLACEAE Asplenium simii Rinorea angustifolia Asplenium theciferum Viola abyssinica Asplenium unilaterale Viola eminii POLYPODIACEAE CRASSULACEAE Loxogramme lanceolata Crassula alsinoides Pleopeltis excavata CARYOPHYLLACEAE Pleopeltis macrocarpa Drymaria cordata Pleopeltis schraderi PHYTOLACCACEAE GRAMMITIDACEAE Phytolacca dodecandra Grammitis nanodes AMARANTHACEAE Xiphopteris strangeana Celosia anthelmintica VITTARIACEAE Celosia Sp. Vittaria isoetifolia Celosia Sp. Vittaria guineensis BASELLACEAE Vittaria volkensii Basella alba
56 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History GERANIACEAE MALVACEAE Geranium arabicum Pavonia urens BALSAMINACEAE Sida rhombifolia Impatiens engleri Sida schimperana Impatiens pseudoviola MALPHIGIACEAE Impatiens sodenii Acridocarpus scheffleri Impatiens teitensis ERYTHROXYLACEAE Impatiens walleriana Erythroxylon emarginatum THYMELEACEAE EUPHORBIACEAE Dicranolepsis usambarica Acalypha volkensii FLACOURTIACEAE Argomuellera macrpohylla Aphloia theiformis Clutia abyssinica Dasylepsis integra Croton macrostachyus Dovyalis abyssinica Croton megalocarpus Trimeria grandifolia Croton sylvaticus PASSIFLORACEAE Drypetes gerrardii Passiflora edulis Euphorbia engleri CUCURBITACEAE Euphorbia usambarica Coccinea grandiflora Macaranga capensis Gerrardanthus grandiflorus Macaranga conglomerata Gerrardanthus lobatus Margaritaria discoidea Momordica sp Neoboutonia macrocalyx Oreosyce africana Zimmermannia ovata Peponium vogelii ROSACEAE Zehneria emirnensis Prunus africana Zehneria oligosperma Rubus rosifolius Zehneria scabra Rubus pinnatus Zehneria sp DICHAPETALACEAE BEGONIACEAE Dichapetalum eickii Begonia johnstonii CAESALPINIACEAE CACTACEAE Cassia didymobotrya Rhipsalis baccifera Cynometra sp OCHNACEAE MIMOSACEAE Ochna holstii Albizia gummifera Ouratea schusteri Newtonia buchananii MYRTACEAE PAPILIONACEAE Syzygium guineense Amphicarpa africana Syzygium sclerophyllum Antopetitia abyssinica MELASTOMATACEAE Craibia zimmermanii Memecylon teitense Crotalaria axillaris GUTTIFERAE Crotalaria lukwangulensis Garcinia volkensii Crotalaria natalitia STERCULIACEAE Dalbergia lactea Cola greenwayi Desmodium repandum Dombeya goetzenii Eriosema montanum Leptonychia usambarensis Eriosema sp
A Guide To Taita Hills 57 Unique Natural History Indigofera arrecta RHAMNACEAE Indigofera atriceps Gouania longispicata Kotschya africana Maesopsis eminii Kotschya aeschynomenoides VITACEAE Millettia oblata Cissus oliveri Vigna parkeri Cyphostemma braunii Vigna unguiculata Cyphostemma nodiglandulosum MYRICACEAE Cyphostemma sp Myrica salicifolia RUTACEAE ULMACEAE Clausena anisata Celtis africana Diphasiopsis fadenii Celtis gomphophylla Fagaropsis angolensis Trema orientalis Teclea nobilis MORACEAE Teclea simplicifolia Dorstenia brownii Teclea trichocarpa Dorstenia denticulata Toddalia asiatica Dorstenia christenhuszii Vepris sp Ficus exasperata SIMAROUBACEAE Ficus sur Brucea antidysenterica Ficus thonningii MELIACEAE URTICACEAE Ekebergia capensis Elatostema orientale Lepidotrichilia volkensii Pilea johnstonii Turraea holstii Pilea rivularis Turraea robusta Pilea cf.usambarensis SAPINDACEAE Pilea veronicifolia Allophylus abyssinicus Pouzolzia parasitica Allophylus ferrugineus Urera hypselodendron Allophylus rubifolius AQUIFOLIACEAE Blighia unijugata Ilex mitis Dodonaea viscosa CELASTRACEAE Filicium decipiens Elaeodendron buchananii Haplocoelum foliolosum Hippocratea goetzei MELIANTHACEAE Maytenus acuminata Bersama abyssinica Maytenus senegalensis ANACARDIACEAE Maytenus sp Sorindeia madagascariensis Mystroxylon aethiopicum CONNARACEAE ICACINACEAE Agelaea heterophylla Apodytes dimidiata Jaundea pinnata OLACACEAE ARALIACEAE Strombosia scheffleri Cussonia spicata OPILIACEAE Polyscias fulva Opilia amentacea Polyscias stuhlmanii LORANTHACEAE Schefflera myriantha Englerina sp. Erianthemum dregei
58 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History UMBELLIFERAE Chassalia discolor Caucalis incognita Chassalia parviflora Heteromarpha trifoliolata Coffea fadenii Peucedanum linderi Cremaspora triflora Sanicula elata Galiniera coffacoides ERICACEAE Galium brenanii Agauria salicifolia Galium spurium Philippia pallidiflora Keetia gueinzii EBENACEAE Lasianthus kilimandscharicus Diospyros abyssinica Mitragyne rubrostipulata SAPOTACEAE Oxyanthus speciosus Aningeria adolfi-friedericii Oxyanthus goetzei Bequaertiodendron natalense Pauridiantha paucinervis Chrysophyllum gorungosanun Pavetta crebrifolia MYRSINACEAE Pavetta sp. Maesa lanceolata Pentas hindsioides Rapanea melanophloeos Pentas lanceolata LOGANIACEAE Pentas pubiflora Anthocleista grandiflora Pentas schimperana Buddleia pulchella Pentas zanzibarica Mostuea brunonis Psychotria crassipetala Nuxia congesta Psychotria lauraceae Nuxia floribunda Psychotria petitii Strychnos henningsii Psychotria sp.aff Strychnos mitis Psychotria pseudoplatyphylla OLEACEAE Psychotria riparia Chionanthus mildbraedii Psychotria sp.B. APOCYNACEAE Psychotria sp. Acokanthera oppositifolia Psychotria sp. cf.Baissea sp. Psydrax parviflora Landolphia buchananii Rytigynia eickii cf.Pleiocarpa sp. Rytigynia uhligii Rauvolfia mannii Spermacoce princeae Tabernaemontana stapfiana Tricalysia ovalifolia ASCLEPIADACEAE Vangueria volkensii Ceropegia sp. Vangueria sp. Pentarrhinum cf.insipidum COMPOSITAE Secamone punctulata Adenostemma mauritianum Secamone sp. Anisopappus oliveranus Tecazzea galaetogaga Bidens taitensis cf.Tylophora sp. Blumea brevipes Unidentified Crassocephalum mannii RUBIACEAE Microglossa cf.pyrifolia Anthospermum herbaceum Senecio cf.mirabilis Aulacocalyx diervillioides Senecio syringifolius Canthium oligocarpum Vernonia auriculifera
A Guide To Taita Hills 59 Unique Natural History Vernonia holstii LABIATAE Vernonoia jugalis Acollanthus densiflorus Vernonia usambarensis Plectranthus laxiflorus Vernonia sp. Plectranthus langipes Vernonia sp.aff.urticifolia Plectranthus cf.sereti LOBELIACEAE Plectranthus sp. Lobelia gibberoa Solenostemon sylvaticus BORAGINACEAE Stachys aculeolata Ehretia cymosa ONOCOTYLEDONES Paracynoglossum geometricun COMMELINACEAE SOLANACEAE Aneilema aequinoctiale Solanum aculeatissimum Aneilema leiocaule Solanum giganteum Commelina benghalensis Solanum indicum MUSACEAE Solanum schumannianum Ensete ventricosum Solanum terminale ZINGIBERACEAE CONVULVULACEAE Aframomum angustifolium Ipomoea involucrata LILIACEAE Ipomoea wightii Asparagus asparagoides SCROPHULARIACEAE Asparagus falcatus Alectra sessiliflora Asparagus setaceus Veronica abyssinica Chlorophytum comosum GESNERIACEAE Chlorophytum limurense Saintpaulia teitensis Chlorophytum sparsiflorum Streptocarpus caulescens Dracaena afromontana Streptocarpus glandulosissimus Dracaena laxissima Streptocarpus kirkii Dracaena steudneri Streptocarpus montanus SIMILACACEAE ACANTHACEAE Smilax kraussiana Crossandra friesiorum ARACEAE Crossandra tridentata Culcasia falcifolia Isoglossa gregorii LEMNACEAE Isoglossa lactea Wolffia arrhiza Isoglossa laxa AMARYLLIDA Isoglossa substrobilina Scadoxus multiflorus Justicia pseudorungia DIOSCOREACEAE Phaulopsis imbricata Dioscorea asteriscus Thunbergia alata PALMAE VERBENACEAE Phoenix reclinata Clerodendrum capitatum BURMANNIACEAE Clerodendrum johnstonii Gymnosiphon usambaricus Clerodendrum sp. ORCHIDACEAE Lippia ukambensis Angraecum cf.sacciferum Vitex keniensis Bulbophyllum intertextum Vitex strickeri Calanthe sylvatica
60 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Cheirostylis lepida GRAMINEAE Cynorkis sp. Digitaria pearsonii Disperis nemorosa Ehrharta erecta Eulophia streptopetalum Hyparrhenia cymbaria Platylepis grandulosa Isachne mauritania Polystachya albescens Melinis minutiflora Polystachya caespitifica Oplismenus undulatifolius Polystachya cultriformis Panicum calvum Polystachya lindblomii Panicum trichocladum Polystachya spatella Pennisetum trachyphyllum Polystachya transvaalensis Pseudechinolaena polystachya Polystachya sp. Pseudobromus sylvaticus Polystachya sp. Setaria plicatilis Stolzia repens Setaria poiretiana Tridactyle cruciformis Sporobolus natalensis Ypsilopus sp. CYPERACEAE Carex castanostachya Cyperus maranguensis Cyperus pseudoleptocladus Mariscus sp.
Termitomycete clypeatus (Edible Mushroom)
A Guide To Taita Hills 61 Unique Natural History Birds of the Taita Hills (above 1,200m asl) Family and common name Scientific name Numididae: guineafowl Crested Guineafowl Guttera pucherani LC Phasianidae: quails, francolins, spurfowl and allies Harlequin Quail Coturnix delegorguei LC Ciconiidae: storks Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus LC Ardeidae: herons, egrets and bitterns Dwarf Bittern Ixobrychus sturmii LC Grey Heron Ardea cinerea LC Scopidae: Hamerkop Hamerkop Scopus umbretta LC Falconidae: falcons Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus LC Sooty Falcon Falco concolor NT Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo LC African Hobby Falco cuvieri LC Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus LC Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus LC Taita Falcon Falco fasciinucha NT Accipitridae: diurnal birds of prey other than falcons Bat Hawk Macheiramphus alcinus LC Black Kite Milvus migrans LC Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus EN Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus EN Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus VU Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis LC Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus Southern Banded Snake Eagle Circaetus fasciolatus NT Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus NT African Harrier Hawk Polyboroides typus African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro LC Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus LC Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk Accipiter rufiventris LC Great Sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus Common Buzzard Buteo buteo LC Mountain Buzzard Buteo oreophilus LC Augur Buzzard Buteo augur LC Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax LC Verreaux’s Eagle Aquila verreauxii LC Wahlberg’s Eagle Aquila wahlbergi LC African Hawk Eagle LC Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus NT Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis LC Crowned Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus EN
62 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Rallidae: rails and relatives Buff-spotted Flufftail Sarothrura elegans LC Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra LC Columbidae: pigeons and doves African Olive Pigeon Columba arquatrix LC Lemon Dove Aplopelia larvata LC Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata LC Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria LC African Green Pigeon Treron calvus LC Musophagidae: turacos Hartlaub’s Turaco Tauraco hartlaubi LC Cuculidae: cuckoos and coucals Thick-billed Cuckoo Pachycoccyx audeberti LC Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius LC Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus LC Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus LC African Cuckoo Cuculus gularis LC Klaas’s Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas LC African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus LC Yellowbill Ceuthmochares aereus LC White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus LC Strigidae: typical owls African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii LC Caprimulgidae: nightjars Freckled Nightjar Caprimulgus tristigma LC Apodidae: swifts Scarce Swift Schoutedenapus myoptilus LC African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus LC Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba LC Mottled Swift Tachymarptis aequatorialis LC Common Swift Apus apus LC African Black Swift Apus barbatus LC Little Swift Apus affinis LC Coliidae: mousebirds Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus LC Trogonidae: trogons Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina LC Alcedinidae: kingfishers Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala LC Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris LC African Pygmy Kingfisher Ceyx pictus LC Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata LC Meropidae: bee-eaters Eurasian Bee-eater Merops apiaster Bucerotidae: hornbills Silvery-cheeked Hornbill Bycanistes brevis LC
A Guide To Taita Hills 63 Unique Natural History Capitonidae: barbets and tinkerbirds White-eared Barbet Stactolaema leucotis LC Moustached Tinkerbird Pogoniulus leucomystax LC Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus LC Red-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus pusillus LC Spot-flanked Barbet Tricholaema lacrymosa LC Brown-breasted Barbet Lybius melanopterus LC Indicatoridae: honeyguides Wahlberg’s Honeybird Prodotiscus regulus Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor LC Scaly-throated Honeyguide Indicator variegatus LC Platysteiridae: batises, wattle-eyes and relatives Chin-spot Batis Batis molitor Black-throated Wattle-eye Platysteira peltata LC Malaconotidae: helmetshrikes, bushshrikes, tchagras and puffbacks Grey-headed Bushshrike Malaconotus blanchoti LC Black-fronted Bushshrike Chlorophoneus nigrifrons LC Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus LC Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis LC Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus LC Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla LC Slate-coloured Boubou Laniarius funebris LC Campephagidae: cuckooshrikes Grey Cuckooshrike Coracina caesia LC Laniidae: shrikes Taita Fiscal Lanius dorsalis LC Common Fiscal Lanius collaris LC Oriolidae: orioles African Golden Oriole Oriolus auratus LC Dicruridae: drongos Common Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis Monarchidae: monarch flycatchers Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus cyanomelas LC African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis LC Corvidae: crows and allies Pied Crow Corvus albus LC White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis LC Paridae: tits White-bellied Tit Parus albiventris LC Hirundinidae: saw-wings, swallows and martins White-headed Saw-wing Psalidoprocne albiceps LC Black Saw-wing Psalidoprocne pristoptera LC Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica LC Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula LC Common House Martin Delichon urbicum LC Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica LC Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica LC
64 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Cisticolidae: cisticolas and allies Singing Cisticola Cisticola cantans LC Rock-loving Cisticola Cisticola aberrans LC Tiny Cisticola Cisticola nanus LC Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava LC Bar-throated Apalis Apalis thoracica LC Taita Apalis Apalis fuscigularis CR Black-headed Apalis Apalis melanocephala LC Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura Pycnonotidae: bulbuls Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus LC Mountain Greenbul Andropadus nigriceps LC Stripe-cheeked Greenbul Andropadus milanjensis LC Little Greenbul Andropadus virens LC Zanzibar Greenbul Andropadus importunus Yellow-bellied Greenbul Chlorocichla flaviventris LC Cabanis’s Greenbul Phyllastrephus cabanisi LC Eastern Nicator Nicator gularis LC Sylviidae: Old World warblers Evergreen Forest Warbler Bradypterus lopezi LC Lesser Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris LC Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus LC Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida LC Dark-capped Yellow Warbler Chloropeta natalensis LC Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus ruficapilla LC Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus LC Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita LC Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla LC Garden Warbler Sylvia borin LC Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria LC Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis LC Timaliidae: illadopses, babblers and chatterers African Hill Babbler Pseudoalcippe abyssinica LC Zosteropidae: white-eyes Abyssinian White-eye Zosterops abyssinicus LC Taita White-eye Zosterops silvanus Sturnidae: starlings and oxpeckers Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus LC Superb Starling Lamprotornis superbus LC Abbott’s Starling Cynniricinclus femoralis VU Violet-backed Starling Cynniricinclus leucogaster LC Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio LC Sharpe’s Starling Pholia sharpii LC Turdidae: thrushes Orange Ground Thrush Zoothera gurneyi LC Taita Thrush Turdus helleri CR
A Guide To Taita Hills 65 Unique Natural History Muscicapidae: chats, wheatears and Old World flycatchers White-starred Robin Pogonocichla stellata LC Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia LC Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos LC Cape Robin Chat Cossypha caffra LC Rüppell’s Robin Chat Cossypha semirufa LC White-browed Robin Chat Cossypha heuglini LC Red-capped Robin Chat Cossypha natalensis LC Spotted Palm Thrush Cichladusa guttata LC Bearded Scrub Robin Cercotrichas quadrivirgata LC Common Stonechat Saxicola torquatus LC Mocking Cliff Chat Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris LC Southern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina LC Pale Flycatcher Bradornis pallidus LC African Grey Flycatcher Bradornis microrhynchus LC Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata LC Ashy Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens LC African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta LC Lead-coloured Flycatcher Myioparus plumbeus LC Nectariniidae: sunbirds Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris LC Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea LC Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina LC Hunter’s Sunbird Chalcomitra hunteri LC Eastern Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris mediocris LC Variable Sunbird Cinnyris venustus LC Passeridae: sparrow weavers, Old World sparrows and petronias House Sparrow Passer domesticus LC Kenya Rufous Sparrow Passer rufocinctus LC Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus LC Ploceidae: weavers, bishops and widowbirds Grosbeak Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons LC Baglafecht Weaver Ploceus baglafecht LC Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis LC Eastern Golden Weaver Ploceus subaureus Holub’s Golden Weaver Ploceus xanthops LC Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus LC Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis LC Estrildidae: waxbills Yellow-bellied Waxbill Coccopygia quartinia Green-backed Twinspot Mandingoa nitidula LC Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild LC Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu Uraeginthus bengalus LC Purple Grenadier Granatina ianthinogaster LC Peters’s Twinspot Hypargos niveoguttatus LC African Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricata LC Jameson’s Firefinch Lagonosticta rhodopareia LC Bronze Mannikin Spermestes cucculatus LC Black-and-white Mannikin Spermestes bicolor LC
66 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Viduidae: Parasitic Weaver, indigobirds and whydahs Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura LC Motacillidae: wagtails, longclaws and pipits Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea LC Mountain Wagtail Motacilla clara LC African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp LC Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis LC Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis LC Striped Pipit Anthus lineiventris LC Fringillidae: canaries, citrils, seedeaters and relatives Reichenow’s Seedeater Crithagra reichenowi LC
STATUS LC= least concern VU= vulnerable NT= near-threatened EN= endangered CR= Critically endangered
A Guide To Taita Hills 67 Unique Natural History Mammals of Taita Hills Forest (Above 1,200m asl) Family and Scientific Name Common Name Macroscelidinae Petrodromus tetradactylus Four-toed Sengi Procaviidae Dendrohyrax arboreus Southern Tree Hyrax Procavia capensis Rock Hyrax Galagidae Galago s. braccatus Kenya Lesser galago Otolemur garnettii Small-eared Greater Galago Galagoide sp. Taita Mountains Dwarf Galago Cercopithecidae Cercopithecus mitis Sykes’s Monkey Chlorocebus pygerythrus Vervet Monkey Papio cynocephalus Yellow Baboon Sciuridae Heliosciurus rufobrachium Red-legged Sun Squirrel Paraxerus ochraceus Ochre Bush Squirrel Muridae Aethomys chrysophilus Red Veld Rat Arvicanthis niloticus African Grass Rat Grammomys dolichurus Woodland Thicket Rat Mastromys natalensis Natal Multimammate Mouse Mus 1 Mus triton Gray-bellied Pygmy Mouse Mus minutoides Tiny Pygmy Mouse Pelomys Creek Rat Praomys taitae Taita forest rat Myoxidae Graphiurus murinus Forest African Dormouse Graphiurus 2 Cricetomyinae Cricetomys gambianus Gambian Giant pouched rat Dendromurinae Dendromus insignis Montane African Climbing Mouse Dendromus 2 Hystricidae Atherurus africanus African Brush-tailed Porcupine
Soricidae Crocidura olivieri African Giant Shrew Crocidura viaria Savanna Path Shrew Crocidura cf. selina Ugandan Lowland Shrew Crocidura nigrofusca African Black Shrew Crocidura jacksoni Jackson’s Shrew Crocidura hildegardeae Hildegarde’s Shrew Crocidura fuscomurina Bicoloured Shrew Crocidura luna Moonshine Shrew Suncus aequatorius Taita Dwarf Shrew Sylvisorex megalura Climbing Shrew
68 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Pteropodidae Epomophorus wahlbergii Wahlberg’s Epauletted Fruit Bat Rousettus aegypticus Egyptian Rousette Rhinolophidae Rhinolophus darlingii Darling’s Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hildebrandtii Hildebrandt’s Horseshoe Bat Molossidae Chaerephon pumilis Little Free-tailed Bat Mops midas Midas Free-tailed Bat Tardarida ventralis Giant Free-tailed Bat Vespertilionidae Scotoecus albigula White-throated Lesser House Bat Neoromicia capensis Cape pipistrelle Neoromicia nana Banana pipistrelle Viverridae Genetta tigrina Large spotted genet Herpestidae Bdeogale nigripes Black-legged Mongoose Galerella sanguineus Slender Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon Egyptian Mongoose Ichneumia albicauda White-tailed Mongoose Mustelidae Mellivora capensis Honey Badger Suidae Potamochoerus larvatus Bushpig Bovidae Sylvicapra grimmia Common Duiker
A Guide To Taita Hills 69 Unique Natural History BUTTERFLIES OF TAITA HILLS (Above 1,200m asl) Scientific name and Family Common name Papilionidae Paplio dardanus Mocker Swallowtail Papilio desmondi teita Desmond’s Green-banded Swallowtail Papilio nireus Narrow Green-banded Swallowtail Papilio ophidicephalus Emperor Swallowtail Papilio demodocus Citrus Butterfly Papilio echerioedes White-banded Swallowtail Graphium colonna Black Swordtail Graphium policene Small Striped Swordtail Pieridae Catopsilia florella African emigrant Colias electo African Clouded Yellow Eurema hecabe Common Grass yellow Eurema mandarinula Mandarin Grass yellow Pinacopteryx eriphia Zebra White Nepheronia thalassina Blue or Cambridge Vagrant Eronia cleodora Vine Leaf Vagrant Eronia leda Orange and Lemon Colotis regina Queen or regal Purple Tip Colotis euippe Round Winged Orange Belenois margaritacea Margarita’s Caper White Potia helice Meadow White Dixeia pigea Antheap White Dixeia spilleri Spiller Yellow Appias lasti Last’s Albatross Mylothris Sagala Dusky Dotted Border Mylothris ruppelli Rupell’s Dotted Border Lycaenidae Baliochila fragilis Baliochila lipara Baliochila amanica Amani Buff Lachnocnema Bibulus Woolly Legs Myrina silenus Fig Tree Blue Lolaus Pallene Saffron Saphire Lolaus poultoni Poulton’s Saphire Deudorix antalus Brown Play Boy Deudorix vansomerini Vansomeren’s Play Boy Lycaena phlaeas Small Copper Anthene princeps Anthene butteri Butter’s Ciliate Blue Pseudonacaduba sichela Africa Line Blue or Dusky Blue Lampides boeticus Pea Blue Uranothauma nubifer Black Heart Uranothauma vansomereni Uranothauma falkenstelni Cacyreus Lingeus Common Bush Blue Cacyreus palemon Water Geramium Blue Leptotes pirithous Common Zebra Blue
70 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Tuxentius melaena Dask Pied Pierrot Zizula hylax Tiny Grass Blue Eicochrysops nandianus Cupreous Blue Nymphalidae Danaus chrysippus Common Tiger or African Queen Tirumala formosa Beautiful Tiger Amauris niavius Friar Amauris echeria Chief Amauris albimaculata Layman Melanitis leda Common Evening Brown Bicyclus campinus Ypthima jacksoni Physcaeneura leda Neocoenyra gregorii Charaxes veranes Pearl Charaxes Charaxes acuminatus Mountain Charaxes Charaxes candiope Green Vained Charaxes Charaxes pollux Black Bordered Charaxes Charaxes druceanus Silver Barred Charaxes Charaxes bohemani Divebomber or Large Blue Charaxes Charaxes cithaeron Blue Sported Charaxes Charaxes xiphares Forest King Charaxes Charaxes etesipe Savana Charaxes Charaxes jahlusa Pearl Spotted Charaxes Charaxes baumanni Baumann’s Charaxes Charaxes aubyni Aubyn’s Charaxes Charaxes ethalion Satyr Charaxes Charaxes zoolina Club-tailed Charaxes Euphaedra neophron Gold Banded forest Cymothoe teita Taita Glider Pseudacraea lucretia False Diadem or False Chief Neptis saclava Small Spotted Sailer Neptis carcassoni Carcasson’s Streaked Sailer Neptis goochi Small Streaked Sailer Neptis aurivillii Aurivillius’ Sailer Cyrestis camillus Africa Map Butterfly Byblia anvatara African Jocker Eurytela hiarbas Pied Piper Hypolimnas misippus Diadem or Danaid Eggfly Salamis parhassus Forest Mother of Pearl Junonia oenone Dark Blue Pansy Junonia hierta Yellow Pansy Junonia sophia Little Commodore Junonia natalica Natal Pansy Junonia terea Soldier Commodore Precis octavia Gaudy Commodore Precis antilope Darker Commodore Precis archesia Garden Inspector Precis limnoria White-spotted Commodore
A Guide To Taita Hills 71 Unique Natural History Precis tugela Eared Commodore Vanessa cardui Painted Lady Antanartia dimorphica Dimorphic Admiral Lachnoptera ayresii Eastern Blotched Leopard Phalanta phalantha Common Leopard Fritillary Acraea baxteri Baxter’s Acraea Acraea conradti Acraea servona Acraea pharsalus Acraea esebria Dusky Acraea Acraea lycoa Acraea johnstoni Johnston’s Acraea Acraea acerata Talls Acraea Acraea zonata Acraea rabbaiae Clear Wing Acraea Acraea satis Coast Acraea Acraea zetes Large Spotted Acraea Acraea anemosa Broad Bordered Acraea Acraea insignis Hesperiidae Coeliades forestan Striped Policeman Coeliades pisistratus Two Pip Policeman Eagris Sabadius Eretis melania Spialia spio Spio Grizzled Skipper Metisella Orientalis Kedestes rogersi Roger’s Ranger Gorgyra bibulus Acada biseriatus Axehead Skipper Parasmodes morantii Morant’s Skipper Aderos mackenii Macken’s Skipper Chondrolepis telisignata Artitropa Erinnys Bush Night Fighter Zenonia zeno Orange Spotted Skipper Borbo detecta Borbo borbonica Gegenes niso Plain Hottentot
72 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History REPTILES OF TAITA HILLS (Above 1,200m asl) Family and Scientific Name Common Name Typhlopidae Rhinotyphlops unitaeniatus Yellow-striped Blind Snake Leptotyphlopidae Leptotyphlops scutifrons Peters ‘s worm snake Boidae Python natalensis African Rock Python Colubridae Lamprophis fuliginosus Brown House Snake Lycophidion capense Cape Wolf Snake Philophamnus battersbyi Battersby’s Green Snake Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia White-Lipped Snake Dispholidus typus Boomslang Thelotornis usambaricus Eastern Vine Snake Elapsoidea loveridgei East Africa Garter Snake Atractaspis bibroni Bibron’s Burrowing Asp Aparallactus lunulatus Plumbeous Centipede-eater Aparallactus guntheri Black centipede-eater Amblyodipsas teitana Taita Hills Purple-glossed Snake Lizards Gekkonidae Cnemaspis africana Usambara forest gecko Hemidactylus mabouia Tropical House Gecko Cnemaspis sp. Lacertidae Adolfus jacksonii Jackson’s Forest Lizard Chamaeleonidae Chamaeleo dilepis Flap-necked Chameleon Kinyongia boehmei Taita two-horned chameleon Scincidae Leptosiaphos kilimense Kilimanjaro four-toed skink Mabuya striata Common striped skink Mabuya varia Variable skink Lygosoma afrum Peter’s Writhing skink Lygosoma sundevalli Sundevall’s Writhing Skink Gerrhosauridae Gerrhosaurus flavigularis Yellow Throated Plated Lizard Agamidae Agama agama lionatus Red-headed Rock Agama
A Guide To Taita Hills 73 Unique Natural History Amphibians of Taita Hills (Above 1,200m asl) Family and Scientific Name Common Name Ceaciliidae Boulengerula niedeni Sagalla Caecilian Boulengerula taitana Taita Hills Caecilian Pipidae xenopus borealis Northern Clawed Frog Bufonidae Amietophrymus garmani German’s Toad Amietophrymus gutturalis Guttural Toad Mertensophryne taitana Taita Dwarf Toad Microhylidae Phrynomantis bifasciatus Brevicipitidae Callulina dawida Taita Warty Frog Hemisotidae Hemisus marmoratus Pig-nosed Frog Arthroleptidae arthroleptis xenodactyloides Eastern Dwarf Squeaker Leptopelis concolor Pale Coloured Tree Frog Hyperoliidae Hyperolius glandicolor peters Reed Frog Hyperolius tuberilinguis Kassina senegalensis Common Bubbling Kassina Ptychadenidae Ptychadena anchietae Anchieta’s Ridged Frog Ptychadena cf mascareniensis Mascarene Ridged Frog Phrynobattrachidae Phrynobatrachus scheffleri Scheffler’s Puddle Frog Pyxicephalidae Amietia angolensis Angola River Frog Tomopterna cryptotis Rhacophoridae Chiromatis petersii Peter’s Foam-nest Tree Frog
74 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Further reading
Agnew, A.D.Q and Agnew, S. 2013. Upland Kenya Wild Flowers and Ferns. East Africa Natural History Society (Nature Kenya).
Beentje, H.N. 1994. Kenya Trees, Shrubs and Lianas. Nairobi: National Museums Kenya.
Beentje, H. N. 1988. An Ecological and Floristic Study of the Forests of the Taita Hills, Kenya.
Bennun, L., & Njoroge, P. 1999. Important Bird Areas in Kenya. East Africa Natural History Society (Nature Kenya).
Brooks T., Lens L., Barnes J., Barnes R., Kageche Kihuria J. & Wilder C. 1998. The Conservation Status of Forest Birds of the Taita Hills, Kenya. Bird Conserv. Int. 8: 119-139
Burgess, N. D., Butynski, T. M., Cordeiro, N. J., Doggart, N. H., Fjeldsa, J., Howell, K. M., Kilahama, F. B., Loader, S. P., Lovett, J. C., Mbilinyi, B., Menegon, M., Moyer, D. C., Nashanda, E., Perkin, A., Rovero, F., Stanley, W. T., and Stuart, S. N. 2007. The Biological Importance of the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania and Kenya. Biol. Conserv. 134: 209-231.
Channing, A. & Howell, K. 2005.Amphibians of East Africa. Chimaira & Cornell University Press, Frankfurt and Ithaca.
Dharani, N. 2006. Field Guide to Acacias of East Africa. Nairobi. Struik Publishers. Estes, R.D. 1991. The Behavior Guide to African Mammals. The University of California Press.
Githiru, M. 2003. Endemic Forest Birds of the Taita Hills: Using a Model Species to Understand the Effects of Habitat Fragmentation on Small Populations. PhD Thesis. University of Oxford, Oxford.
Larsen, T.B., 1996. The Butterflies of Kenya and their Natural History. Oxford University Press.
Measey, G.J., Malonza, P.K., 2009. Muchai, V., Amphibians of the Taita Hills. SANBI Biodiversity 12.
Medley, K. E. 2010. Some Kasigau Woody Plants and their Uses. Miami: Miami University.
Meyer, M., Maes, K., Jocque, R. and Vandenspiegel, D. 2002. East Africa Bugs. Rayal Museums for Central Africa.
Myers, N., Mittermeier, R.A., Mittermeier, C.G., Da Fonseca, G.A.B., Kent, J. 2000. Biodiversity Hotspots for Conservation Priorities. Nature 403: 853-858.
A Guide To Taita Hills 75 Unique Natural History Perkin, A., Bearder, S., Butynski, T.M., Agwanda, B. & Bytebier, B. 2002. The Taita Mountain Dwarf Galago, Galagoides sp: A new Primate for Kenya. Journal of East African Natural History 91: 1-13
Spawls, S., Howell, K.M. & Drewes,R.C. 2006. Pocket Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of East Africa. Black,London.
Spawls, S., Howell, K., Drewes, R. & Ashe, J. 2002. A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa. Natural World, San Diego.
Thijs, K.W. 2013. Field Guide to the Woody Plants of Taita Hills, Kenya. Journal of East Africa Natural History.
Zimmerman, D.A., Turner, D.A., Pearson, D.J. 1996. Birds of Kenya and northern Tanzania. London: Christopher Helm.
76 A Guide To Taita Hills Unique Natural History Notes Notes
About theAuthor since 2005. work in the Taita Hills researchconducting Hehasbeen work. of biodiversity research been involved in variety Kenya where hehas National of Museums Naturalist basedat the Lawrence Wagura isa
A Guide to TAITA HILLS Unique Natural History Lawrence Wagura By Lawrence Wagura